Statement on Court Order Regarding Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program for Puerto Rico

Release date:

July 20, 2018

Release Number:

HQ-18-086

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is aware of the judge’s ruling regarding the continuation of its emergency sheltering program, Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA), for Puerto Rico survivors with a new checkout date of Aug. 7. FEMA is working with its vendor and notifying participating hotels that the TSA program has been extended to comply with the court’s order. Beyond that, FEMA will not comment on pending litigation.

The TSA program is designed to bridge survivors from large group sheltering situations to interim or long-term housing options that are provided by FEMA, other federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Additionally, FEMA announced earlier this month that Transportation Assistance for Puerto Rico disaster survivors who are on the U.S. mainland was extended until Aug. 30. Survivors have until Aug. 30 to take advantage of FEMA’s Transportation Assistance program, which covers the cost of airfare, luggage and pet fees for their return to Puerto Rico.